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India has been granted observer status on the Eurodrone program, a high-profile European project that aims to establish greater autonomy in drone technology for the European Union. India now joins Japan as an observer on the project launched by Italy, France, Germany and Spain.

India’s official request to join the Eurodrone project as an observer state in the four-nation Eurodrone program was approved on January 21, 2025, with a Letter of Approval presented to the Indian Ambassador to Germany Ajit Gupte by OCCAR-EA Director Joachim Sucker, during a ceremony at the Indian Embassy in Berlin.

What is the Eurodrone?

Eurodrone is a 4-nation development program, spearheaded by Italy, France, Germany, and Spain, and managed by the European defense contracting agency OCCAR (Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation).

Launched in 2016, the Eurodrone is a flagship initiative of the European Union to develop a state-of-the-art Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone. It is being jointly developed by leading aerospace companies, including Airbus as prime contractor, Dassault Aviation from France, and Leonardo from Italy.

Expected to enter service by 2029, the drone is specifically designed for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, making it a key asset for modern defense and security operations.

The Eurodrone boasts impressive specifications, including a 26-meter wingspan, a payload capacity of 2.3 tons, and an endurance of 40 hours. It can reach a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet and is powered by twin turboprop engines in a pusher configuration located behind the wings. These design elements ensure robust performance and adaptability across various mission profiles.

In terms of capabilities, the Eurodrone is designed for operations in non-segregated airspace, making it suitable for integration into civilian environments. Its features extend to naval anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare functionalities, and weapon-carrying capacities. This comprehensive suite of capabilities positions the Eurodrone as a versatile platform that can serve both military and civilian applications, addressing the evolving demands of the drone sector.

Eurodrone Program challenges

The Eurodrone program was launched in 2015 with an ambitious timeline for first deliveries by 2025. However, delays stemming from political disagreements and technical challenges pushed the expected entry into service to 2029. European nations had long struggled to unite on a joint drone development initiative, primarily due to conflicting priorities and budgetary concerns.

The program gained momentum as EU nations recognized the need for strategic autonomy in the drone sector, reducing dependence on U.S. and Israeli drone technologies. The Eurodrone’s development marks a significant shift in Europe’s defense policy, reflecting a commitment to strengthening its aerospace capabilities and securing technological independence.

Latest developments and strategic goals

The Eurodrone program has reached several key milestones that highlight its technological and operational advancements. In October, program officials conducted a mission equipment inspection at Leonardo’s facilities, reviewing mission computers and radar systems to ensure the integration of cutting-edge technologies. Airbus, the program’s prime contractor, has also confirmed that the Eurodrone will be capable of operating in non-segregated airspace, a feature that broadens its applicability to civilian and mixed-use environments.

Additionally, the platform’s versatility extends beyond Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, with capabilities for naval anti-submarine warfare and electronic warfare, making it an essential tool for global defense and security operations.

The inclusion of Japan and India as observers emphasizes the growing international significance of the Eurodrone program. This involvement underscores its recognition as a benchmark in collaborative aerospace innovation, drawing attention to its potential to set new standards in both military and civilian applications.

India’s observer seat

India’s inclusion as an observer is a significant step in fostering international collaboration in aerospace and defense technology. As an observer, India will gain insights into the development, testing, and deployment processes of the Eurodrone. This could pave the way for future partnerships, technology transfers, and possibly joint ventures. Given India’s ambitions to strengthen its indigenous drone capabilities and reduce dependence on imports, this opportunity could offer valuable expertise and exposure to cutting-edge technology.

Moreover, the timing of India’s inclusion is strategic, as the Eurodrone program is nearing critical phases of its development. India would benefit from observing the integration of advanced systems, such as the Gabbiano electronically scanned radar and mission computer, which were inspected by program leaders during an October visit to Leonardo’s facilities in Italy.

India’s Aerospace Aspirations

India has been ramping up its efforts to develop an indigenous drone manufacturing ecosystem under its “Make in India” initiative. By participating as an observer in the Eurodrone program, India can align itself with global standards and adopt best practices in design, production, and operational management. This partnership could also serve as a stepping stone for India’s collaboration with European nations on future aerospace and defense projects.

India’s observer status in the Eurodrone program is a landmark development in its pursuit of technological advancement and international collaboration in the aerospace sector. The Eurodrone, with its sophisticated design and strategic capabilities, represents the future of drone technology and underscores the importance of multinational partnerships in achieving technological autonomy. As the program advances toward completion, India’s role as an observer will likely deepen its engagement with global aerospace leaders and contribute to its defense modernization efforts.